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Meet Our Staff

Staff

Stephen Pick

Executive Director

A Vancouver, WA native and Journey alumnus, Stephen Pick recently returned home after three years in Boston where he was teaching, directing and completing his Master of Fine Arts degree and Arts Administration certification.

Stephen was a part of the first season of Journey shows back in 2003 and was completely captivated by the strong and friendly community. Experiencing theater for the first time in Journey instigated Stephen’s love for the arts. He went on to complete degrees in theater at George Fox University and Boston University as well as co-found and run a nonprofit, Valley Repertory Theatre, for many years. Returning to Journey he is honored to bring his experience and training to an organization that helped form him as a youth.

Stephen lives in Ridgefield with his best friend and wife, Jessie, and their wonderful children, Madelyn and Lillian.

Bethany Larson

Founder / Area Director

Founder Bethany Larson has been honored to work for our organization since the beginning. She has enjoyed wearing many different hats over the years including Area Coordinator, Summer Camp Manager, Area Director, Marketing Director, Teacher and TREK Coordinator. Her B.S. in Business Administration (Warner Pacific College; go Knights!), along with her experience as a pre-school director, drama ministry director, youth ministry volunteer and children’s ministry director, has equipped her to work with our parents, kids and staff.

Bethany has been married to Allen (Journey Improv Teacher and Coach) since 1988. All three of their kids, Levi, Brenna and Maggie have enjoyed being a part of camps, classes, shows and Improv Teams. Levi is currently one of Journey’s teachers.

Bethany’s favorite part of Journey is that the whole family can participate to bring a show to the stage and she treasures the friendships she has made along the way.

Rhonda Rice

Business Manager

Rhonda Rice feels very blessed to be a part of Journey Theater Arts Group. A simple invitation to come to a performance in 2008 led to her kids being involved in multiple casts, crews, camps, and Improv team. Their involvement and growth inspired her to be more involved with volunteering and eventually joining the Journey staff in the Fall of 2010.

Rhonda is amazed at the progress that many kids have made over these years. She loves that she can be a part of sharing how God is working in our youth as well as helping provide a place to form special family friendships.

Enjoying the Journey!

Kelly Sauter

Front Office Support, Registration & Box Office Coordinator

Kelly’s family has been involved with Journey since 2018. Both of her children have participated in classes, shows, and camps. She is happy to bring her skills and experience to help Journey in its mission to encourage and care well for students and families. 

Kelly has been married to Ryan since 1996, and is mom to Jeremy and Jenny. When not in the office, she loves creative things, including doing work as a freelance graphic designer/graphic artist, and working with other ministries that train and equip women to teach the Bible well, including the women’s Bible study at her own local church.

Chelsea Lapp

Teacher in Residence

Chelsea Nicole Lapp is an award-winning choreographer from San Diego who recently relocated to Vancouver. Having grown up in the theatre world since age 4, Chelsea has performed in over 80 shows and tour groups, and at the age of 14 began choreographing and teaching dance classes for a national children’s theatre company. Since 2007, Chelsea has choreographed both professional and non-professional shows all over the United States, as well as Uganda. Her training includes places like Broadway Dance Center in NYC and Academy of Performing Arts in San Diego, she is also an alumnus of the Pulse Teacher Workshop and the Stage Door Connections Workshop with Andy Blankenbuehler. Chelsea is a recipient of the Portland Area Musical Theatre Award, Inland Theatre League, National Youth Arts, and Director’s Choice Award.

Vicky Dillon

Community Development Manager/Discipleship Coordinator

Vicky participated in theater as a young girl and was delighted when her two sons showed interest in Journey Theater years ago. She immediately fell in love with the people and the fine-tuned programing and high-quality shows. The emphasis on developing character and community only reinforced her love of this organization.  She loves that all kids are welcome and tend to blossom under the influence of this safe and expressive community. Even more importantly, she is driven to invest herself here because many find a home and a place to belong here.

She is married to Bruce, pastor at Summit View Church, where they were founding members back in 1993. The rewards of seeing life-change and growth in so many people who have come through the doors at Summit View has strengthened her faith in Jesus.  Their two sons, Jake and Brian, live in Vancouver as well.

Vicky previously served on Journey’s Board of Directors from 2016 to 2022. She is excited to transition to this new role to help further Journey’s mission and reach!

Sarah Jenkins

Business Assistant

Sarah and her family were first introduced to Journey in 2017 when a co-worker invited them to see Elf. When her oldest daughter saw that show, she immediately wanted to be up on stage doing the same thing. So, in 2018, their theater journey began, with Little Women being their first show. It was such a wonderful experience that they have been involved in shows and classes ever since.

Sarah and her husband Don have been married since 2004, after both graduating from George Fox University. They have two girls, Kenna and Kacie, both involved in Journey. Sarah works part time at Legacy Salmon Creek in the family birth center office. She’s very excited to be assisting the Journey business office and be a part of an organization that has blessed her family in so many ways. When she is not running carpool to all of her girls’ activities, she enjoys reading, chatting with friends over coffee, trying new recipes, taking walks, and cuddling her pug.

Marjie Johnsen

Executive Coordinator

Marjie and her family were first introduced to Journey Theater in 2014, when she took her oldest son to see Journey’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. They attended a few shows after that and finally in 2019, her middle son was old enough to attend a summer camp. He then enrolled in classes and auditioned for his first show, Seussical Jr., in the Winter of 2020. After that experience, they were hooked and have been involved in many shows, classes, and camps ever since.

Marjie earned her B.A. in Communication Studies (media studies) from Azusa Pacific University, where she was also involved in the theater department. Later, Marjie received an M.A. in Human and Organizational Development (APU). With a diverse business background, she has been an adjunct business professor since 2008. She loves the mission of Journey and enjoys working to help advance that mission!

Marjie and her husband have three boys. They all love the community they have found in Journey and appreciate getting to participate together as a family. Whether in the cast, crew or on production committees, they are excited to be a part of Journey for years to come!

Amy Platt

Costumes Coordinator

From the first time Amy walked into a Journey production she knew her daughter would be
hooked. Four years later her daughter, who was finally old enough, joined her first Journey
Troupers class, where she played Pockets – a Lost Girl in a mini production of Peter Pan.

What Amy values about Journey is there is a place for everyone. She loves the fact that she can
send her daughter to rehearsals, classes and productions and know that she is around people
who understand and accept everyone for who they are as an individual. Journey is a place for
families and as a self-proclaimed “over involved mom” it is the perfect fit for Amy and her
daughter. Amy served on costumes for her first show and loved it so much she decided to join
the Journey team as the Costumes Manager.

Amy was born and raised in Vancouver, and loves all that Vancouver has to offer. She enjoys playing soccer, running and being active outdoors. She’s even learning to golf. Most of her family still lives in the area. She homeschools her daughter and helps run a family business with her brother. She has a dog named Daisy, a cat named Butter and five chickens.

She is most excited about watching her daughter grow in Journey and can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Norm May

Warehouse/Tech Coordinator

Norm grew up in the Midwest and after receiving a degree in Computer Engineering from Iowa State, he followed his girlfriend, now wife, Donna to the Vancouver area, where they enjoyed homeschooling their four children. The family was involved in chess, with Norm coaching the Cornerstone Chess Club for several years. Norm also ran audio equipment and cameras for Crossroads Church for many years and owned his own audio business with his son Todd. Other hobbies that Norm enjoys include bicycling and woodworking.

 

Norm is excited to be involved with Journey Theater and to encourage others to grow and enjoy life!

Heather Bode

Show Coordinator

Heather has been involved in Journey since 2012 when her oldest son was cast in Narnia.  She immediately grew to love Journey as much as her son.  Working with the kids and other families made each show something to look forward to!

While still having the pleasure of working with students, being Show Coordinator allows her to connect with families and artistic teams on a whole new level.  Being an integral part of bringing each show to life is a privilege, especially when accomplished in an environment of Christ’s love.

Heather has been married to Todd for 21 years.  After moving with the military for most of that time, her family is very happy to have settled in Southern Washington.  She has homeschooled all four of her children, the oldest who is now off to college.  The younger three are now in Journey and thankful to big brother for introducing it to them.

Shannon McIlroy

Show Coordinator
Shannon’s family first became involved with Journey in 2015. A last minute decision to audition for Anne of Green Gables turned out to be such a blessing! Since that first show, Shannon and her family have been drawn to the Journey community, and have made many memories and friendships while serving together on various committees.
Shannon loves watching kids blossom in the supportive environment that Journey provides.The experience of watching kids grow in skill, confidence, and character is truly something special. As Show Coordinator, she feels privileged to support both the families and the artistic team as they tell each show’s story and create opportunities for kids to thrive.
Shannon and her husband, Darin, have been married since 2003, and have 3 daughters: Bailey, Chloe, and Nora. All three kids are involved in Journey, and their home is often filled with the sound of showtunes.
A retired registered nurse, Shannon homeschools their three girls and also enjoys outdoor adventures and creative projects.

Audrey Miller

Class Coordinator

Audrey’s involvement with Journey Theater began in 2016 when her two boys took their first classes. In 2019, they auditioned and performed in their first show, Mary Poppins. Since then, Audrey and her family have learned just how special this theater community is.

There is a unique richness to the relationships built in the Journey community and a special quality to the experiences of our students and their families. As a class coordinator, Audrey is so thankful for the opportunity to help foster these relationships and allow students to enjoy class in a safe, fun, and enriching environment.

Prior to class coordinating, Audrey graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BA in Elementary Education. She taught Kindergarten for four years before having children of her own and has since enjoyed the many hats of a stay at home mom, also volunteering and working in various church ministries.

Audrey and her husband, Bryce, have been married since 2003 and they have three children – Trevin, Tyson, and Adelyn. When she’s not homeschooling or at Journey classes with her troupe of three, Audrey loves to spend time with her family and friends or relax with a good book.

Elvin Yuen

Board Chair
Originally from California, Elvin moved to the Vancouver area in 2006 with his wife Emily.  He has worked at a local healthcare system for over ten years.  He has four wonderful kids, two of whom are involved in Journey and love every minute of it.  Their involvement was Elvin’s first exposure to Journey, and to live theater in general.  Seeing their experience, he has come to appreciate all the ways that a theater program can benefit kids, from life skills to finding community, and everything in between.
He has had the privilege of serving on the Board for Journey since 2020, and hopes to be part of bringing the Journey experience to an even broader group of students in the future.

Charlie Friesen

Board Treasurer

Charlie has lived in the Northwest his whole life.  The last fifty have been in the Brush Prairie area of Clark County.  He graduated from George Fox College (now University) with both a bachelor’s degree in Music Ed and an MBA in ethics.

He has been married to his wife Judy for 50 years which has led to 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law and 5 grandkids.  And never forget the 10-year-old Chihuahua Lilly.

For most of his life, Charlie has been a pastor at local churches.  He was the Minister of Music for Crossroads church for 20 years and his latest tour was at Summit View Church where he served as the Executive Pastor for 15 Years. He retired from the full-time pastorate in 2020 and now runs a small business in the county.

Having been active in fine arts his whole life, Charlie has a real passion for combining faith with music theater and providing an outlet for Clark County kids.

Julia Garrison

Director

Julia has lived in Vancouver since 2013. Julia works as a licensed professional counselor. In addition to individual therapy, she leads events for the community that educate and equip in the areas of mental health and spiritual maturity. In 2021, an invitation from Journey to co-lead a mental health educational event was when Julia first experienced Journey staff, heart for Journey students, and Kingdom-vision for Clark County. She’s looking forward to supporting the Journey community in the months and hopefully years to come.

Sienna Langstaff

Board Secretary
After living in Germany and then Japan for a total of 16 years, Sienna and her family moved to Portland, Oregon in 2006 and became involved with a brand new area of Journey in the fall of 2010. Even in its fledgling stage, Journey provided high quality classes and shows. However, even more important, was the transformation Sienna saw in her children; growing in theater arts skills and self confidence and developing long lasting friendships. Sienna has participated in Journey in a variety of roles starting as a parent volunteer to Show Coordinator, Class Coordinator, Marketing Assistant and currently a member of the board. Her greatest delight as a Show Coordinator was not only seeing students blossom in the program but watching it change parents as they took pride in the work they did with their committees, and found their own community in the process. She is honored to be on the board and hoping to cast Journey’s vision to a wider audience.
Sienna has been married to Rob since 1988 and they have three amazing children. She is an artist but when she isn’t painting, you can find her outdoors skiing or hiking or indoors passionately studying and teaching the Bible.

Stephen Pick

Executive Director

A Vancouver, WA native and Journey alumnus, Stephen Pick recently returned home after three years in Boston where he was teaching, directing and completing his Master of Fine Arts degree and Arts Administration certification.

Stephen was a part of the first season of Journey shows back in 2003 and was completely captivated by the strong and friendly community. Experiencing theater for the first time in Journey instigated Stephen’s love for the arts. He went on to complete degrees in theater at George Fox University and Boston University as well as co-found and run a nonprofit, Valley Repertory Theatre, for many years. Returning to Journey he is honored to bring his experience and training to an organization that helped form him as a youth.

Stephen lives in Ridgefield with his best friend and wife, Jessie, and their wonderful children, Madelyn and Lillian.